Abraham (1994)

Magnificent!

All Acting (especially Richard Harris), Directing, Writing, Set Design were rivetingly magnificent. Clearly shows the benefit of depending on God's mercy for guidance and protection. Unforgettable story! August 28, 2008

Superb!

I bought this more than a year before I watched it. I think I ignored it for so long because I didn't really expect it to be very good. Boy, was I wrong. I would say my feeling about Gen 12-25 now is about like that of a man who read, say, Hamlet for years before he ever saw it performed on stage; but then saw a superb production. What a wonderful experience. July 13, 2008

Well done biblical drama

"Abraham" is the 1994 made-for-TV movie about the title character from the book of Genesis, detailing his life from his time first meeting with God to the sacrifice of his son Isaac. Richard Harris plays Abraham, and he does it exceptionally well. He portrays the founder of the Hebrews in a very human manner, making the person of Abraham a very real one, one that had to deal with not only doubting followers but demands from God which Abraham sometimes finds himself questioning. The scenes between Abraham and Isaac are in particular well done, and you do feel a chemistry between the two actors. In fact, the cast all around does a good job in their respective roles.

Most interesting is the use of both Biblical and extra-Biblical sources, the latter being Judaic oral tradition. The scene in which Abraham smashes the idols, for example, can be found in the Midrash (although the original story was much more humorous, and a variation can be the Koran). Some of the later stories, such as the venture into Egypt or the attacks against various enemies, are obviously padded out, but are only done so to keep the story flowing smoothly.

The only down point about the film is the cheesy special effects. I realize that its a TV-movie from the early 1990's, but it is rather distracting. The scene where the angels blind the people of Sodom uses a light overlay, while the destruction of Sodom is cartoon-like lightning over the image of a city. Again, I realize that they weren't exactly working with a large budget, but it might make you laugh at the movie.

But don't take my words too harshly, as they didn't affect my opinion of the movie overall. It's a nice movie to watch, whether for fun or otherwise. May 19, 2008

Abraham

Richard Harris has always been a drama queen but over all his acting and the rest of the cast was pretty good. As for the accuracy of the story, spot on. An excellent movie for all ages. April 16, 2008

Excellent.

Richard Harris was extra-ordinary. The video provided insight to Abraham's and Sarah's character. We often think that the Bible characters were in constant contact with God and that they always felt His presence. This shows us that there were times when Abraham (beloved of God) also felt alone and even perhaps abandonned. The video accurately portrays the many facets in a relationship with God. January 19, 2008

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